Niger Delta

NGO, Others To Investigate Looting At Bayelsa Amnesty Training Centre

Published

7 years ago

March 20, 2019

An NGO, Ijaw Women Connect (IWC) and some Civil Society Groups yesterday expressed determination to investigate the alleged looting and vandalism of Bayelsa Vocational Training Centre.
The President of IWC, Mrs Rosemary Naingba told newsmen in Yenagoa that items worth billions of Naira were removed from the centre.
The incident occurred between February 14 and 16 at the centre in Boro town in Kaima, Kolokuma/Opokuma council area.
The centre, built and equipped by the Presidential Amnesty Programme, was designed to train unskilled repentant militants and provide them with a wide range of training.
“The roof of the building was removed along with the bedding and all plumbing materials in the 60-bed facility.
“The entrepreneurship starter packs, welding machines, refrigerators, tailoring and fashion designing facilities as well as generators were among the items carted away in a broad day light.
“Other items vandalised and looted are the state-of-art training equipment for plumbing, catering, fashion designing, building and interlocking stones making, shoe and leather work, carpentry and joinery, among others,” she said.
The IWC president said that thorough investigation was necessary in order to bring all guilty to book.
Naingba, who described the act as “rude shock”, said the IWC intended to collaborate with other well meaning Ijaw organisations for the investigation.
“The leadership of IWC worldwide, Ijaw Youth Council, who visited the centre was disappointed over the extent of looting and damage done. We condemn the act in totality.
“However, rather than apportioning blames, we intend to collaborate with other well meaning Ijaw organisations and civil society groups to investigate before holding further discussions.
“We cannot continue to cry only foul, while the main perpetrators walk the streets freely.
“We call on all residents to be calm and sheath-their swords, because this is a time to build and not to destroy. We must continue to be strengthened by one another for the development of the Niget Delta region.”

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.